CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Graf Report (BBC Online)

Tessa Jowell: I have today placed the independent review of BBC Online by Philip Graf in the Libraries of both Houses, together with a copy of the letter I have written to the Chairman of the Governors. The report is also available electronically on the Department's website www.culture.gov.uk.
	In response to the review, I have asked the BBC to consider all of Philip Graf's recommendations, and to respond fully by the end of October 2004. I have asked that the Governors' response include a redrafted version of Online's remit and a statement of how the corporation intends to involve the independent sector along the lines set out by the report.
	I have not, at this stage, imposed any further conditions on BBC Online.
	The reviews will begin immediately and will run concurrently. In accordance with conditions that I laid down when giving my approval for the BBC to develop these new digital services, both reviews will include both a period of public consultation and a market impact study. I have asked both reviewers to submit their reports to me by the end of August 2004.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

British Soldiers (Prosecution)

Harriet Harman: My right hon. Friend the Attorney-General has made the following ministerial statement on 2 June 2004, Official Report, House of Lords, columns WS21–22.
	"On 19 June 2004 the Army Prosecuting Authority directed that Private Johnston, 1st Battalion of the King's Own Scottish Borderers, should stand trial on one offence of unlawful wounding contrary to Section 20 of the 1861 Act. There is an alternative charge of an offence under section 69 of the Army Act 1955 in relation to negligent handling of a weapon. The matter relates to a non-fatal shooting of an Iraqi boy, aged 13 years, which occurred on Monday 15 September 2003.
	No date has yet been set for trial or a preliminary hearing in this matter".